Aerodynamic Shutter Torque Control via Temperature Timing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vehicle aerodynamic air shutter systems face issues with ice accumulation and debris obstruction, which reduce their functionality and efficiency in controlling airflow based on environmental conditions.

Innovation Solution

A system that includes an ambient temperature estimation module and a shutter control module to determine the optimal time to actuate the shutter and apply torque, taking into account ambient temperature and vehicle status to prevent ice accumulation and debris obstruction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the shutter is actuated immediately based on ambient temperature, then the airflow control response is fast, but ice accumulation and debris obstruction occur reducing functionality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshutter actuation response speedVSAvoidshutter functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system determines a predetermined period before selectively applying torque to the shutter based on ambient temperature. This preliminary timing action prevents ice accumulation and debris obstruction by avoiding shutter actuation during unfavorable conditions, thereby maintaining shutter functionality while enabling responsive airflow control when conditions are appropriate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If torque is applied continuously to ensure shutter operation, then the shutter reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshutter operabilityVSAvoidtorque application energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system selectively applies predetermined torque to the shutter only during determined predetermined periods when ambient conditions are favorable. This periodic torque application maintains shutter operability while avoiding continuous energy consumption, optimizing the balance between reliability and energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Device complexity

If the shutter system operates without temperature-based timing control, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to prevent ice accumulation and debris obstruction is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidshutter functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The shutter control module determines ambient temperature and calculates a predetermined period before applying torque. This simple temperature-based timing control prevents ice accumulation and debris obstruction without requiring complex control systems, maintaining an balance between device simplicity and shutter reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9657632B2Method and apparatus for remote torque control of an aerodynamic air shutter mechanism

Publication Date: 2017.05.23 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A system for controlling an aerodynamic shutter of a vehicle includes an ambient temperature estimation module that determines an ambient temperature. A shutter control module that determines whether to actuate the shutter based on the ambient temperature. The shutter control module also determines a predetermined period before selectively applying a predetermined torque value to the shutter. The predetermined period is selected based on the ambient temperature.